The US government has announced a $5 million reward for information on North Korean nationals infiltrating US tech companies or engaging in cyber schemes. This initiative seeks to dismantle financial operations that fund North Korea’s weapons programs and other illicit activities.
The reward is offered through the State Department’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program, which has paid out over $250 million to informants since its creation in 1984. The program aims to disrupt activities like money laundering, worker exportation, and cyberattacks that support the North Korean regime.
US offers $5 million bounty for information on North Korean IT firms
The firms are suspected of placing workers in US firms to extort money to fund North Korea’s weapons programs. https://t.co/x1ERL6WB7e
— Karol Cummins – New Acct (@karolcummins) December 16, 2024
The announcement comes days after the Department of Justice indicted 14 North Korean nationals accused of identity theft, wire fraud, and extortion. According to the Justice Department, the individuals worked for companies controlled by North Korea, Yanbian Silverstar and Volasys Silverstar, generating $88 million for the regime between 2017 and 2023.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated that the accused used stolen and fake identities to secure IT jobs with American companies, gaining access to sensitive information. Monaco emphasized that the indictments expose North Korea’s efforts to evade sanctions and should serve as a warning to businesses worldwide.
🚨🇺🇸🇰🇵 $5M REWARD: NORTH KOREAN “IT PROS” SCAMMED U.S. COMPANIES
Turns out, North Korean “tech geniuses” weren’t just coding—they were stealing trade secrets and raking in $88M from U.S. companies between 2017-2023 to fund Pyongyang’s weapons program.
Using fake identities,… pic.twitter.com/3DN29jPGhc
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 12, 2024
US offers $5 million for info on North Korean IT worker farms https://t.co/yiH461aBaz
— Supersonic Redhead🛫 (@Supersonic_Red) December 13, 2024
Federal investigators have frozen millions of dollars in illegal funds and shut down websites linked to the schemes. The State Department is encouraging individuals with knowledge of these activities to report anonymously via the RFJ website or a Tor-based platform.
The US government’s strategy reflects growing concern over North Korea’s cyber capabilities. Officials believe the financial reward will incentivize whistleblowers to help dismantle these networks, ultimately weakening the regime’s ability to fund its nuclear programs.
